Latest news with #IsleOfManTT
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Hundreds join parade lap to honour life of TT legend Joey Dunlop
Hundreds of Joey Dunlop fans have joined a parade lap of the Isle of Man TT course to celebrate the life and career of the motorcycling legend on the 25th anniversary of his the King of the Mountain for his success on the island, which saw him take the top spot on the podium 26 times, Dunlop was killed on 2 July 2000 aged 48 while racing in by the Joey Dunlop Foundation, the memorial lap saw fans, riders and set off from the Grandstand in Douglas at 19:00 from Ballymoney, Dunlop held the title of most the successful rider in history for 24 years until his nephew Michael Dunlop broke that record last year. As well as his success on the island's 37.7-mile (61km) Mountain Course, Dunlop also won five Formula One World Championships, 24 Ulster Grands Prix victories and 13 North West 200 from motorcycling he was honoured with an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 1996 for his humanitarian work with children in Eastern Europe.A similar parade, which featured some of Joey Dunlop's original bikes, took place during the in early May in up in his memory, the Joey Dunlop Foundation, which provides specialist accommodation to open up the Isle of Man to visitors with a disability, said the event was a "fitting tribute" to the rider "dominated the TT course with such mastery during his racing career". Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Joey Dunlop remembered on 25th anniversary of his death
Joey Dunlop's son Gary said his father had an "inner drive" to succeed in whatever he did as Gary spoke 25 years on from his father's "King of the Mountain", died on 2 July 2000 aged 48 while competing in was widely considered to be one of the greatest riders in the sport's history. His long list of honours included 26 Isle of Man TT wins, five Formula One World Championships, 24 Ulster Grands Prix victories and 13 North West 200 was also honoured with an MBE in 1986 and an OBE in 1996 for his humanitarian work with children in Eastern Europe."There are times when it feels like it was six weeks ago and others where it feels like a full lifetime ago," Gary told BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme."He was very odd, I don't mean it in a bad way, he was different to anyone I ever met. He had his own way of doing things and everything was calculated with deep thought."He was hard to get to know, most of his rivals probably thought he didn't like them, but that wasn't the case, that was how he went about his life, he did it quietly and thoughtfully."Whilst Gary said the last 25 years have been "so tough" for him and his family, he takes comfort for the regard in which is father is still held."I was only 17 when he passed away, but in a cocky way we thought that wouldn't happen, if you didn't think that wouldn't happen you wouldn't want anyone doing it," he added."I think it's the same for the riders, if they thought this was going to happen, they wouldn't jump on a bike."I find it astonishing now that people who weren't even born when he was riding are knocking about with his shirts on and they're pretty fanatical. We find it really comforting that he is still regarded in a high way."
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Sidecar team running on adrenaline after TT record
Kieran Clarke (left) is one half of the sidecar team, pictured with his stepfather Eddy Wright [BBC/Cathy Minton] A sidecar racing duo who were crowned 'Best Newcomers' at the Isle of Man TT say they are still riding high on adrenaline after their success. Driver Kieran Clarke, from Tadcaster, and passenger Andrew Johnson finished fifth overall in the event, the highest ever place on a first-time appearance, hitting a top speed of 114.221mph (183km/h) in the process. Advertisement Mr Johnson, 41, described their experience as "crazy" and unlike any race the pair have previously competed in. "I should have learnt by now that when [Kieran] says we'll just go out, take it easy and see how it goes, that his version of taking it easy isn't the same as everyone else," he said. Reflecting on the experience, Mr Clarke, 28, added: "It's the adrenaline – we're probably three weeks post the Isle of Man and it's still pumping round your system, it's the strangest feeling." Sidecar racing is a two-person motorsport involving a three-wheel motorcycle with a sidecar, and requires both driver and a passenger to work closely together. Advertisement The passenger has to shift their weight according to the direction of travel, in order to keep the motorcycle's wheels touching the ground to maximise stability and speed. Mr Clarke and Mr Johnson's partnership started four years ago when they first competed together at an race meet at Brands Hatch.. However, they had known each other much longer, first meeting when Mr Clarke was eight and Mr Jackson was 21. Even after a crash last year, which temporarily hospitalised Mr Clarke, the pair have climbed the rankings and are currently second in the British Championship F2 FSRA, with four rounds to go. Advertisement The Isle of Man TT is one of the most well-known events in the motorsport calendar, and sidecar racing has been a part of the race programme since 1923. While they duo are well-versed in the demands of short circuit racing, the TT course was a completely different challenge to tackle, according to Mr Johnson. "The speed at which you're going on the TT course with the bumps and everything is crazy," he said. "You've got to have respect for the course, you've got to understand each other and you've got trust each other. "I trust Kieran with the handlebars and I wouldn't have raced with anybody else on that course." Advertisement The pair are currently focused on the remaining races in the British Championships, but said they were already anticipating a return to the Isle of Man in 2026. Speaking about what he loves so much about the adrenaline-fuelled sport, Mr Clarke added: "It's just the thrill, there's nothing else like it. "People have said to me, 'do you reckon jumping out a plane is just as exciting?' and I think you'd have to get out a big plane somewhere very high to make it equally as good." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. More on this story Related Internet Links
BBC News
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Tadcaster racing team win 'Fastest Newcomer' at Isle of Man TT
A sidecar racing duo who were crowned 'Best Newcomers' at the Isle of Man TT say they are still riding high on adrenaline after their Kieran Clarke, from Tadcaster, and passenger Andrew Johnson finished fifth overall in the event, the highest ever place on a first-time appearance, hitting a top speed of 114.221mph (183km/h) in the Johnson, 41, described their experience as "crazy" and unlike any race the pair have previously competed in."I should have learnt by now that when [Kieran] says we'll just go out, take it easy and see how it goes, that his version of taking it easy isn't the same as everyone else," he said. Reflecting on the experience, Mr Clarke, 28, added: "It's the adrenaline – we're probably three weeks post the Isle of Man and it's still pumping round your system, it's the strangest feeling."Sidecar racing is a two-person motorsport involving a three-wheel motorcycle with a sidecar, and requires both driver and a passenger to work closely passenger has to shift their weight according to the direction of travel, in order to keep the motorcycle's wheels touching the ground to maximise stability and speed. Mr Clarke and Mr Johnson's partnership started four years ago when they first competed together at an race meet at Brands they had known each other much longer, first meeting when Mr Clarke was eight and Mr Jackson was after a crash last year, which temporarily hospitalised Mr Clarke, the pair have climbed the rankings and are currently second in the British Championship F2 FSRA, with four rounds to go. The Isle of Man TT is one of the most well-known events in the motorsport calendar, and sidecar racing has been a part of the race programme since they duo are well-versed in the demands of short circuit racing, the TT course was a completely different challenge to tackle, according to Mr Johnson."The speed at which you're going on the TT course with the bumps and everything is crazy," he said."You've got to have respect for the course, you've got to understand each other and you've got trust each other."I trust Kieran with the handlebars and I wouldn't have raced with anybody else on that course."The pair are currently focused on the remaining races in the British Championships, but said they were already anticipating a return to the Isle of Man in about what he loves so much about the adrenaline-fuelled sport, Mr Clarke added: "It's just the thrill, there's nothing else like it."People have said to me, 'do you reckon jumping out a plane is just as exciting?' and I think you'd have to get out a big plane somewhere very high to make it equally as good." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Dunlop 'as competitive as ever' after successful year
Michael Dunlop says he is as "competitive as ever" after a successful year at the Isle of Man TT and North West ended his eight-year victory drought at the North West 200 when he won the opening Supersport race He then added to that by winning in the Superstock and Superbike classes at the Northern Ireland road race. The 36-year-old then won four races at the Isle of Man TT to extend his own winning record at the event to 33 victories."For the first time in a while I was really competitive at the North West, which was good," Dunlop told BBC Sport NI. "To do a triple there and go to the TT and win another four it's been a great year."The main job for me is the North West and TT, and I think we've done a successful job there and proven we're still one of the top men."Dunlop is racing at the Tandragee 100 national road race in county Armagh this weekend and heads to the national race in confident mood."When you are leaving those events [NW200 and TT] with most wins, I'm into the 30s now with the TT, it's good. "To go into the 30s where nobody is is nice. I would like to keep pushing at it, I feel like I'm as competitive as ever. "You just don't know with this game. At the end of the day, to get where I'm at is pretty cool and if I can add to it, I will. "We had a really good year and I'm faster than I ever was, so there's no reason we can't go back and win more TTs and more North Wests." Last year, Dunlop said national road racing was "finished" and the larger North West 200 and Isle of Man TT events would "thrive regardless". Ahead of his appearance at the Trandragee 100, which came through an invitation from one of his sponsors, Dunlop added that national road racing in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland "are in a bad place" and said it was "nice" to help the race organisers out with his appearance. The top road racers dovetail their Isle of Man and North West 200 commitments by participating in the British Superbike Championship, and do not usually ride at national road races."The North West 200 has thrived this year, the TT has thrived. The events that are doing things right are thriving. "Yes, it's harder for these smaller events. I know why some of them are doing some stuff wrong, but it's hard to say it's fallen when you go to the North West this year."The amount of people was mental. It's the exact same with the TT."It's hard to say people aren't supporting it when you see the likes of those events and they are absolutely booming." Dunlop says he will race at the Southern 100, Classic TT and look at racing at a round or two of the British Superbike asked if he would even race in British Superbikes full-time, he said he would like to but feels he's "too long in the tooth now".It's hard. Did we miss that boat? Without a doubt. But did I ever go looking for it? Probably not, and I probably would have liked to have had a bit of a shot at it. "With time I could fall into it, there's no reason that if we spent a bit of time doing BSB I could put in a half decent charge at it."
